Tainted alcohol is not just present in Mexico. It is a global problem- traveler beware (Image: Pixabay)

>In this post: Bootleg or tainted booze not confined to Mexico; tips for drinking abroad; State Dept warning

It’s the scary sort of travel story that sizzles in the summer heat. A young woman from Wisconsin passed out in a five-star hotel pool near Cancun, Mexico (and later, tragically, died) after having a few shots of allegedly tainted tequila. Her brother, who also had shots by the pool, lost consciousness but did not die.

Later, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel posted an investigative story about the incident. Soon after, other travelers who’d visited nearby resorts reported similar experiences of having a few drinks, passing out, then waking up in their hotel rooms, or worse, in the hospital. They suspect, but cannot prove, that they were served tainted or drugged alcohol. Iberostar, which runs the resorts where these incidents occurred, told the newspaper that it only purchases, “sealed bottles that satisfy all standards required by the designated regulatory authorities.” The issue remains unresolved.

Based on that brouhaha, the State Department chimed in this week with an update to its alerts and warnings page about travel to Mexico: “There have been allegations that consumption of tainted or substandard alcohol has resulted in illness or blacking out. If you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and to stop and seek medical attention if you begin to feel ill.”

Drinking and traveling go together like gin and tonic- but don’t overdo it. (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

While it’s tragic that travelers have been sickened or died at these resorts in Mexico, it’s important to know that tainted food or alcohol are global problems, and not just happening in Mexico. For example, in the Czech Republic 30 people died from drinking tainted vodka in 2012. The problem is so common in the UK that London’s Daily Mirror recently warned New Year’s partiers to be aware of drinks that “smell like nail varnish.” Bootleg booze can even turn up in duty free stores. I’m convinced I was once served tainted or drugged booze in Brazil and luckily had a travel companion along to get me back to our hotel to sleep it off.

And get this: The chief executive of Brown-Forman, one of the world’s largest distillers told the Financial Times, “A third of the world’s alcohol is estimated to come from what we call illicit production. It can be very dangerous to the point of being poisonous.”

Here’s a dose of my own advice that I’ll be following when I travel to Mexico City next month. You should consider it, too!

Travelers everywhere should always be alert to the possibility of being served tainted booze. Give your drinks the “sniff test.”

Don’t drink alone in unfamiliar surroundings

When traveling in another country, don’t overdo it and let your guard down. Avoid shots.

Stick to drinking from bottles or cans you can open yourself.

Be aware of your surroundings when drinking in public places.

At the first signs of nausea, dizziness or drowsiness, stop drinking and let someone know.

Don’t leave your food or drink unattended.

Have a good travel insurance policy in effect and its emergency number in your wallet.

Get out in the world, have fun and be safe this summer.

What do you think about the incident in Cancun? What precautions would you suggest to your fellow travelers?

Airlines are doing everything they can to woo their coveted elite level passengers. This week United joined the fray by offering one free drink to all Premier 1K and Global Services passengers who might suffer the indignity of flying at the back of the plane.

A United spokesperson told TravelSkills, “To show appreciation for their loyalty – we’re offering one free drink, excluding half-bottle premium wines, to Global Services and Premier 1Ks in United Economy on flights worldwide.” United did not make a formal announcement about this, but the new policy went into effect this week.

So how do you claim your free pop? United says that the new iPhone 6 Plus devices now used by its flight attendants (or inflight paperwork) will identify you as 1K or Global Services, so all you have to do is ask.

Could this move be another executive order under new reign of CEO Oscar Munoz? It’s not confirmed, but I bet he had something to do with it…

Since last year, Delta has offered free wine, beer and booze to all passengers flying in its Comfort+ cabin (premium economy) on flights over 250 miles regardless of elite status.

All passengers in Virgin America’s Main Cabin Select seats (bulkheads and exit rows) get free booze and bites on all flights. You have to pay extra to sit in those seats, but elite level flyers frequently find themselves upgraded to these seats at the last minute.

A free drink coupon always comes with a Southwest AirlinesBusiness Select ticket, and Southwest showers Rapid Rewards member with four cocktail coupons for every 10 flights. (Be sure your communications preferences are set to receive the cocktail coupons in your Rapid Rewards profile.) Also, holders of the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier Cardhave been know get four free drink coupons each year, but I’m not sure if that’s still a card benefit.

Executive Platinum members stuck in coach who flash their card or boarding pass to flight attendants get a free drink and snack from American Airlines.

Editor Chris McGinnis

Trending on TravelSkills

Editorial Disclaimer: This editorial content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through the credit card issuer Affiliate Program. Responses in the comments section are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.”